Use of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin in combination therapy for type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prescribed multiple medications - typically more than one for glycemic control alone, and others for the management of lipids and hypertension. Within a few years following diagnosis, many patients progress beyond an initial starting regimen of metformin and/or sulfonylurea in order to maintain glycemic control. With the broad selection of antidiabetes medications available today, the choice of which agents to add when progressing from monotherapy to combination therapy has led to much discussion on how to best tailor a treatment regimen to the individual patient's needs. Areas covered: The aim of this paper is to review the literature describing the use of linagliptin as a component of combination therapy for the treatment of T2DM. Literature searches were conducted to retrieve articles reporting on linagliptin clinical trial data. For comparison of safety and efficacy, studies of linagliptin as monotherapy were included. Expert opinion: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are used across all stages of treatment, from monotherapy to dual or triple therapy regimens for glycemic control. Linagliptin has been studied in combination with the most commonly used classes of antihyperglycemic medications, with demonstrated efficacy and safety profile comparable to placebo.